Early morning light slowly wraps around the darkest corners approaching Wall Streeet.

One of the best purchases I’ve ever made was a set of dry pants, gaiters, and neoprene socks allowing me to hike the Narrows uninhibited.  I have always taken the first or second shuttle down canyon, allowing me respite from the mid-morning crowd that seems to flood popular hikes shortly after breakfast.  Zion has seen a significant increase in visitors year after year, and while I am also driven by the human need to explore the wild places of this world, it is a bit disheartening to know that pure escape is harder and harder to come by.  Much more troubling is the metaphorical human footprint easily seen in once untouched places.  This is a very popular corridor, one that requires you to look behind you when hiking upstream.  It’s also one I’ve shot before during Fall when the leaves are bright yellow.  I’ve always felt something was missing, and decided to re-shoot it in spring to allow for the deep, green leaves to provide better contrast against the glow of the canyon wall.  Living within driving distance to such a beautiful place that I can visit within a few hours will never be lost upon me.